May 23, 2019 ‘THE SECRETARY ‘The Honorable Maxine Waters ‘The Honorable Patrick McHenry i Chairwoman Ranking Member ‘Committee on Financial Services Committee on Financial Services 2221 Rayburn House Office Building 2004 Rayburn House Office Building United States House of Representatives United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Washington, D.C. 20515 ‘Dear Chairwoman Waters and Ranking Member McHenry: T wanted to follow up with you regarding my Tuesday hearing before the Financial ‘Services Committee. During an exchange with one of the members of the committee, some people may have misinterpreted my comments about the two Equal Access Rules. To ensure you and your committee members have a full and clear understanding of what HUD intends to propose, T would welcome the opportunity to come to your offices and speak with you and your colleagues about this important subject. Among the things we are considering at HUD is convening a meeting with interested ‘stakeholders to discuss how we can ensure transgender individuals are not discriminated against in female- and male-specific facilities. At the same time, we want to address the legitimate ‘concems of the residents and providers of these facilities. We would welcome the participation ‘of lawmakers and could do this in conjunction with the leadership of the Financial Services ‘Committee. == Tobe clear, the 2012 Equal Access Rule, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of ‘sexual orientation and gender identity, is not being revised. The 2016 rule expanded the application to a broader array of programs in HUD’s Office of Community Planning and tod reed eli ures for hones ee poise. The 202 le still stands and the Department has not initiated any action to reopen it. ‘Labi discsmination and warts aasure you HUD is, and always will bo, ommslticd to ‘Protecting every person’s right to access our programs without fear of discrimination. Tlook forward to discussing this further with you.